Leo Stepanian was an attorney who was held in high esteem for his professionalism and dedication.

His son, Leo Stepanian II, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became an attorney, said his father, who died Monday, was known for his commitment.

“He put his clients first and helped them to the end,” Stepanian said. “He wanted them to get a fair shake.”

He said his father, who was 86, also was respected for his conduct.

“He was a consummate professional,” Stepanian said.

That professionalism made Stepanian highly regarded in the courts.

County Judge William Shaffer, who previously practiced law in Stepanian’s firm, said his former mentor was one of the best attorneys he has known.

“He was admired by everybody,” Shaffer said. “I would call him legendary.”

He said Stepanian zealously represented his clients.

“He was everything an attorney should be,” Shaffer said. “He was tireless in working for his clients.”

Shaffer cited Stepanian’s high ethical standards as another of his attributes.

Attorney Lee Montgomery agreed his former colleague was at the top of their field.

“Leo was a very respected member of our bar,” Montgomery said.

He praised Stepanian, a friend and colleague for more than 40 years, for his skill in the courtroom.

“He was an excellent trial lawyer,” Montgomery said. “We battled many times.”

Butler attorney Tom King agreed Stepanian had a sharp legal mind.

“I had great respect for Leo,” King said.

He said Stepanian was committed to work and his personal life.

County judges also held Stepanian in high esteem.

President Judge Thomas Doerr said the barrister had an old-school manner not seen anymore.

Doerr also touted Stepanian’s legal acumen.

“He was a stickler about appropriate procedure,” Doerr said.

Retired county Judge George Hancher saw Stepanian in his courtroom regularly.

“Leo stood out as a dedicated attorney, ardently dedicated to his clients,” Hancher said.

He said Stepanian always was prepared and respectful of the law.

Hancher said that thorough preparation could make it challenging for the presiding judge.

“And I appreciated that,” he said.

Doerr agreed.

“He would never give in on a point,” he said.

Leo Stepanian II said his father did not want to concede.

“He never gave in,” Stepanian said.

He said his father once half-jokingly complained about a judge not knowing the law.

Butler County Prothonotary Glenna Walters commended Stepanian.

“It’s sad because he was great man and a great attorney,” Walters said. “And his word was his bond.”

Stepanian served for decades as solicitor for the Butler County row office of Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans’ Court.

Judy Moser, former register of wills/clerk of orphans’ court, lauded Stepanian for his work and friendship.

“He was quite a guy,” Moser said.

She said Stepanian, who had a brilliant mind, was the best solicitor she worked with in government.

“He is really going to be missed,” Moser said.

Stepanian also served as solicitor for various municipalities, including Butler Township.

Former township Commissioner Joe Hasychak did not work extensively with Stepanian on municipal business, but retained him for personal business.

“He was always very professional,” Hasychak said.

Doerr recalled Stepanian’s repartee.

“Leo also had a tremendous dry sense of wit,” Doerr said.

Leo Stepanian II said his father had extensive community involvement, including the United Way, when he was younger.

King recalled Stepanian’s avid passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Along with attending games together, both attorneys co-owned a horse named Keystone Savage, which was a winner of the Peter Haughton Memorial race at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J.

Stepanian started practicing law in 1958. He became partners with John Brydon in 1965.

Although Stepanian initially represented criminal defendants, he eventually focused on civil litigation.

Stepanian was co-founder and editor of the Butler County Legal Journal.

When Brydon was elected judge in 1982, Stepanian formed a partnership with Bruno Muscatello. After Muscatello died in 2009, Stepanian started a new firm with his son and Andrew Menchyk.

Stepanian was in the 101st Airborne Division, also known as the Screaming Eagles, and, later, the Counter Intelligence Corps.

Stepanian died at the Good Samaritan Hospice at Concordia in Winfield Township.

“I’ll miss him greatly and I know my whole family will,” said his son.